Teapot with equestrian scene 1722 - 1723

This Teapot with equestrian scene was made by the Meissen Manufactory from porcelain. Meissen was the first to discover the formula for hard-paste porcelain in Europe, putting them at the forefront of a luxury market fueled by global trade. The material itself is fascinating: finely ground minerals, fired at incredibly high temperatures, transformed into a pristine, translucent, and durable object. The smooth, white surface becomes a canvas for elaborate painted scenes. Note the detailed equestrian scene, framed in gold, demonstrating the skill of Meissen’s painters. The production process involved dividing labor, from the potter who formed the teapot, to the artists who decorated it. This division of labor reflects the factory system emerging at the time, in which many hands contributed to the creation of a single object. So, when you look at this teapot, consider not only its beauty, but also the complex social and economic context of its making. It’s a testament to the transformative power of craft, and the ways in which material culture reflects the world around it.